LAGERSTRCEMIA INDICA. 



NATURAL ORDER, LYTHRACE^. 



HE illustration now before us exhibits one, perhaps, of the most 

 familiar and most admired of Indian shrubs. 



It has been impossible to do justice, either to the exquisite 

 colour or delicate texture of the original, and also, being limited 

 in space, the grand massiveness of the sprays is wanting, but, nevertheless, 

 I trust the foregoing illustration ma}' recall the lovely bush to the memory 

 of those who have seen it, and give a fair idea of it to those who have not 

 been so fortunate. 



Owing to the crinkled, crumpled appearance of the flowers, this bush 

 has obtained the name of the " Crape Flower." 



Three varieties of the Lagerstrcemia are much the same in growth 

 and shape of the flowers, but they differ in colour, being pink, lilac, and 

 white. They are all very beautiful, and, when growing in close proximity, 

 make a gay and striking addition to a garden. 



From the illustration it will be noticed that the flowers grow in 

 pyramidic heads or sprays quite at the termination of the branches, 

 whilst the leaves, which are oval-shaped, grow thick and close in the 

 centre of the bush, thereby relieving the dazzling colours, and yet at the 

 same time greatly enhancing by contrast the general beauty of the bush. 



There is a slight resemblance between the Lagerstrcemia and our ■ 

 English May in growth and style of the bushes, but it does not extend 

 beyond these. 



There is a tinge of red on the buds and stalks. 



During the cold season these shrubs present a most ugly and forlorn 

 appearance, for, being deciduous, there is nothing to be seen but the bare 

 and barren stems, which form a great contrast to the glory and splendour 

 of a few months before. 



Beddome mentions that the wood of the Lagerstrcemia is valued as 

 excellent timber, and " much used for building, boat-making, ploughs, and 

 axe-handles." He also states that "Lagerstrcemia Regina has timber of a 

 reddish colour, is tough, and very durable under water, though it soon 

 decays under ground." Quoting from the same authority, I find that in 

 the Madras gun-carriage manufactory this wood is found most serviceable. 

 From Dr. Brandis, who writes from Burmah, we learn that, with the 

 exception of teak, these trees are considered the most valuable and most 

 useful of all timbers for a variety of purposes. 



The season at which the Lagerstroemias are at the height of their 

 beauty is during the rains, and it is much to be regretted that, owing to 

 the delicate, fragile arrangement of the petals, their loveliness is but of 

 short duration, for the rain very soon batters and spoils the flowers. 



With the exception of the usefulness of its wood the Lagerstrcemia 

 has no other merits for utility, nor has it any medicinal properties. 



